More than 200 professionals from the fields of criminal justice, child welfare, victim advocacy, mental health and education are expected to attend the 20th annual Safe at Home Conference on Tuesday, Oct. 16, at the Conference and Event Center Niagara Falls.
Presented by the Child Advocacy Center of Niagara, a service of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, the event will feature a faculty of national and local experts. Among them:
•Michelle Kaminsky, Esq., author of "Reflections of a DV Prosecutor: Suggestions for Reform," who will keynote the event and share her 20 years of experience prosecuting domestic violence cases. Using 11 of her most compelling cases, Kaminsky will illustrate obstacles that prevent meaningful change for battered women in the criminal justice system.
•Cory Jewell Jensen, a national leader providing evaluation and treatment services to adult sex offenders in Portland, Oregon, for the past 35 years, will provide three presentations regarding her understanding of offending behavior to support investigation, promote prevention and protect children.
"As issues of sexual assault and domestic violence dominate the headlines, we need, as professionals, to be informed with facts and evidence-based approaches," said Child Advocacy Center of Niagara Director Ann Marie Tucker. "Our expert faculty will assist participants to gain knowledge and perspective on prevention, intervention and client engagement to assist children and adults experiencing family violence and trauma."
Presenters will also address interpersonal violence within the military and veteran communities; substance use disorders and domestic violence; identifying risks and treatment options; integrating trauma-informed care into practice for services and systems; "Navigating the Crossroads: Opioid Use and Human Trafficking;" and "Stalking and Technology: Technology and How it is Used Against People."
The event is sponsored by the Niagara County Family Violence Project and Child Advocacy Center of Niagara with support from the Niagara County Department of Social Services, the Niagara County Department of Mental Health, Buffalo Bills, New York State Office of Children and Family Services and Catholic Charities of Buffalo - Niagara Services Division.
Continuing education credits are available for licensed social workers and mental health practitioners. The registration fee of $65 includes lunch and course materials. For more information visit
www.cacofniagara.org or call 716-285-0045.
